Heat Exchangers vs. Air Conditioners for Cabinet Cooling

Posted December 12, 2017byNoren Thermal

Over the decades, heat exchangers have replaced air conditioning equipment in a variety of thermal management applications, especially for cooling electrical enclosures. However, there may be times when air conditioning could prove a better option. To be sure, the experts at Noren can perform a comprehensive analysis to determine a system’s specific operating needs. Then, considering the relative pros and cons of each option, they can recommend or design the most appropriate thermal management solution.

Chilling Electrical Enclosures

The problem with electrical enclosures has always been the need to prevent enclosed equipment from overheating. At first, computer technology and industrial machinery relied on air conditioning apparatus because it was the only thermal management technology available. By actively chilling the inside of the cabinet, air condition can ensure that the waste heat given off by the electrical equipment doesn’t collect into heat pockets. This effectively protects against overheating, but also poses a risk of condensation and/or oil clouds compromising the electrical circuits. The energy needed to constantly operate air conditioning equipment is also costly, as is the consistent maintenance that the units often need.

Dissipating Waste Heat

When heat exchangers first became popular, it was because they offered a simpler and more affordable cabinet cooling solution. Instead of continuously pumping cold air into the enclosure, heat exchangers collect and dissipate waste heat in a continuous cycle, often within a closed loop system. Cooling, rather than chilling, requires much less energy, and because the process doesn’t rely on Freon or complicated machinery, the risks of condensation and other contaminants entering the cabinet or significantly reduced.

Find the Best Thermal Management Solution for Any Application

In most areas, heat exchangers a more efficient way to cool electrical enclosures than air conditioners. To learn more, call Noren Products, Inc. at 866-936-6736. Now located in Taylor, TX, Noren proudly produces all of our products in the United States and delivers them to clients nationwide.